Women jailed for trying to smuggle drugs into prison

Naomi Haworth (30), of Admiral Street, Burnley, and Michelle Ann Butler of Hall Street, Barrow, were stopped from entering Haverigg prison on December 16th 2013.

Butler had gone to the prison to visit an inmate but, before she entered, Haworth handed her a package to supply to the inmate she was visiting.

The package contained heroin and spice, with a potential value of more than £9,000.

As Butler entered the prison, she was stopped by police and searched, and the package was found hidden in her clothes.

Butler admitted drugs offences and was sentenced to five years and eight months’ imprisonment at Preston Crown Court.

During police interviews, Haworth said she did not know the package had heroin in it.

Haworth was found guilty of possession with intent to supply heroin and, on August 5th, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court and was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Speaking after the sentences, temporary Det. Supt Rob O’Connor of Cumbria Police said: “Once again, this demonstrates how the courts take a really dim view of people trying to smuggle drugs into prisons.

“This follows other recent sentences in the crown court where other hefty jail sentences were handed down for similar offences of trying to smuggle contraband into HMP Haverigg.

“Cumbria Police continue to work successfully with HMP Haverigg to tackle individuals intent on getting drugs and other items such as mobile phones into the prison.

“The two recent sentences should send a stark warning to people that if they try to smuggle goods into prisons, you will end up in prison yourself. This means serving a lengthy sentence, where you will have time to reflect on your wrongdoing.”

Governor at HMP Haverigg Mr Tony Corcoran said: “I am grateful to the police for their interception of these drugs bound for HMP Haverigg. The sentences imposed by the judge sends out a clear and unambiguous message that this type of criminality will not be tolerated.

“I am confident the excellent joint working between HMP Haverigg and Cumbria Constabulary will continue to go from strength to strength.”